The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security (MELSS) and Koidu Limited have announced a joint agreement aimed at resolving a recent labor dispute and restoring industrial peace at the diamond mining operation.

Following extensive discussions, both parties are urging Koidu’s national workforce to immediately return to work.

The agreement comes after a period of peaceful protests by Koidu’s workers, who raised concerns about working conditions and compensation. The MELSS intervened, outlining a series of recommendations in a letter to Koidu’s General Manager on February 28, 2025, which served as the basis for negotiations.

Key points of the agreement include:

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Immediate Return to Work: The MELSS and Koidu are urging all national workers to resume their duties, with a commitment to address their concerns within 48 hours.

Quarterly Bonus Payments: Starting April 2, 2025, Koidu will introduce quarterly bonus payments tied to diamond export pricing, which is supervised by the Sierra Leonean government. The specific parameters of this bonus scheme will be negotiated between Koidu and MELSS.

End of Service Benefits: While Koidu has maintained its decision not to re-employ dismissed workers, the company has agreed to pay full end-of-service benefits to those affected, as requested by the government. Aggrieved employees are encouraged to utilize the avenues provided by the Employment Act of 2023.

Koidu Workers Forum (KWF): To ensure long-term industrial stability, the MELSS and Koidu will establish the KWF, chaired by the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security. This forum will develop initiatives aligned with international best practices to benefit the national workforce and other stakeholders.

Compliance and Oversight: Koidu Limited reaffirmed its commitment to operating in full compliance with Sierra Leonean laws, emphasizing that diamond production and exports are under the supervision of government officials.

The MELSS’s original recommendations, which formed the foundation of the agreement, included demands for:

Reinstatement of suspended and dismissed workers.

  • Payment of backlogged salaries and benefits.
  • A 30% salary increase effective April 1, 2025.
  • Risk allowance for high-risk work areas.
  • Provision of bus services and improved medical facilities.
  • Employee choice of banks for salary payments.
  • Inducement and cost of living allowances.
  • Provision of safe drinking water and improved housing, meal, and education allowances.
  • Establishment of a salary advance scheme.
  • Payment of overtime in accordance with the Employment Act.
  • Recognition of trade union rights.

The Sierra Leonean government and Koidu Limited have expressed their commitment to fostering a positive working relationship and ensuring the well-being of the national workforce.